Working with uPVC Doors

Doors made from uPVC are an extremely popular option for homeowners, and offer both security and durability at reasonable price. Explore the ins-and-outs of working with uPVC, and discover how to fit and adjust a uPVC door with us below.

What is uPVC door?

uPVC doors are created by surrounding a strong, insulated steel frame with something known as un-plasticised polyvinyl chloride. Commonly known as uPVC - or rigid PVC - the result is long-lasting, reliable door that can withstand the test of time.

Typically, uPVC doors are between 20-28mm thick and, to suit different styles, are available in over 200 RAL colours.

Why choose a uPVC door?

As well as being one of the most affordable options, uPVC doors come with a whole host of other benefits too.

Perhaps the most important, uPVC doors are very secure, and the combination of a strong frame and multi-point locks will give peace of mind to any homeowner. uPVC doors are extremely low maintenance too: when it comes to cleaning a simple wipe down should do the trick. With regular care, you can expect uPVC doors to last anywhere between 20-25 years.

Weather-resistant, fire retardant and also energy efficient, it's no surprise uPVC is an attractive choice for many. uPVC doors offer excellent insulation and different ventilation options.

As for style, uPVC doors are customisable and can be ordered in a range of RAL colours. The range available will depend on the manufacturer in question, but there's much more to choose from than simple black and white options. You can also choose between several styles, like patio, bifold and French.

How to fit a new uPVC door

Faults with uPVC doors often stem from incorrect installation, so making sure everything is perfect first time is extremely important. If you're new to fitting uPVC doors, we highly recommend having someone with experience nearby to guide you.

Here's a quick run-through, covering the basic steps on how to fit a new uPVC door.

Prepare

1. Check the new door will fit before installation. Make sure the size, style and hanging of the door is correct.
2. After checking the above, carefully remove the old door.
3. Remove any existing glass and the old frame first, and make sure that the opening allows for an expansion gap of at least 5mm all around the frame. This will enable you to square the frame in the opening.

Add the cill

1. Measure and cut the cill to match the width of the door opening - it can be straight cut or, in some circumstances, rebated to enhance any external brickwork.
2. Fit the cill end gaps to the cill using super glue.
3. Slowly place the cill into position, and then check the level with a spirit level.
4. If something isn't right, use flat packers to adjust.
5. Once level, remove and apply an all-purpose silicone sealant along the inner edges on the bottom of the rail frame. Apply to the raised area only, and watch out for drainage holes.
6. Slowly position and fix the cill into the frame.
7. Coat the end of the cill with silicone sealant.
8. Push in the end caps.
9. Remove corner protectors and protection tape.

Install the frame

1. Place the frame into the opening above the cill. Make sure the frame is central, and the 5mm gap is maintained.
2. Open the door and check the level of the frame, and make sure it isn't bowed - this can cause a lot of problems further down the line!
3. Take a high-speed drill bit, and add fixing holes into the sides of the frame. Corner fixings should be around 150mm from each corner, while holes should roughly measure 300-600mm apart.
4. Start at the bottom and drill one hole below the hinge. Install with an appropriate fixing and add flat packers adjacent to the fixing positions to prevent distortion.
5. Tighten fixings so the frame is secure, then drill a hole at the top of the frame. Repeat step 4.
6. Repeat for the lock side.
7. Check the door's operation, and ensure that the door is level and plumb.
8. Take the appropriate steps to add any glass panels.
9. Finish installation by breaking off excess length of packers with a chisel.
10. Add any external trims - you may need to cut and prepare these, and then attach with glue and activator.
11. Clean the door and remove any remaining protection tape.
12. Run masking tape along edges for a neater finish, then add sealant along frame and brickwork.
13. Remove tape and check seal.
14. Double check the operation of the door of more, and then you're done.  

How to adjust an existing uPVC door

Incorrect installation or general wear and tear can cause all kinds of problems with uPVC doors. However, there are a few adjustments that can be made to try and fix the issue.

Firstly, you'll need to identify exactly what the problem. Is the issue with the height of the door, the compression, or something else completely - like a draught? Once you know the problem, you can go ahead and select the appropriate solution.

How to adjust uPVC door height

Need to adjust a uPVC door that's too high, or too low? All you need to do is locate the screw that controls the vertical moment of the door hinge.

Once you've found the correct screw, take an Allen key and twist. Begin by doing one full rotation, and then a second. If the door still isn't sitting correctly in the frame, make very small adjustments until you've found the right height.   

How to adjust uPVC door compression

Is the uPVC door in question not matching up with the top or bottom corner of the door frame? If this is happening, there might be a problem with the compression screw. 

Again, this is another quick fix. Grab your Allen key, and slowly unscrew the compression screw. Complete one rotation, and make tweaks until everything looks right.

How to stop draughts with uPVC doors

If the uPVC door in question feels a little bit loose, and often rattles, then you've probably found the culprit of the draught.

To stop draughts from coming out of uPVC doors, the gap between the door and the door frame needs to be reduced. To do this, locate the latching of the door, and tighten the seal to stop the draught.

However, if the door is shutting but won't catch in the latch, you'll need to take a different approach. The gap between the frame and door may actually need to be increased, in order to reduce the compression of the door.

You can follow the method we've mentioned above to reduce compression, or alternatively, use the steps below:

1. Adjust the strike plate on the door by loosening the screw found in the plate.
2. Slide this towards the door entrance to tighten the fit, or towards the inside of the room to loosen the fit.
3. Test each option by adjusting and tightening the screw back into place. Close the door to check the fit, and repeat when necessary.

Can you paint a uPVC door?

Strictly speaking, uPVC doors should not be painted. The surface of uPVC is not designed to accept paint or any other kind of varnish, and numerous issues are likely to arise if paint is applied.  

Alongside issues with proper adhesion, applying paint to uPVC doors can lead to unsightly cracks and even peeling over time - especially when thermal expansion occurs. Even worse, DIY paint jobs can void the warranty of uPVC doors from certain suppliers.

Changing the lock on a uPVC door ­­­­­­

Broken and faulty locks can easily be changed on uPVC doors. The process is fairly straightforward, and should take a few minutes.

To change a lock on a uPVC door, you'll need:

A Philips screwdriver in the appropriate size

The key for the lock

A replacement lock

Once you have the above, just follow these simple steps:

1. Open the uPVC door, and place the key inside the lock.
2. Take your screwdriver, and locate the screw that roughly lines up with the lock.
3. Unscrew this, and twist the key in the lock.
4. The lock should slide out.
5. Take your replacement lock, add the new key and push it back into the door.
6. Replace the screw, tighten and you're done.

For more tips and tricks, don't forget to check out our other educational guides over on our blog.